Two children die from flu in separate Florida counties

The Florida Department of Health announced recently that the two deaths took place in Orange and Pasco Counties.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of these children,” Dr. Celeste Philip, deputy secretary for health and deputy state health officer for Children’s Medical Services, said. “Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. You can help prevent the spread of flu or other viruses by staying home from work or school when you are sick, covering your coughs and sneezes, and washing your hands frequently.”

The most common form of the flu found at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Florida recently has been influenza A (H3).

Pre-existing conditions often exacerbate influenza and can cause death in many cases. Pregnant women, young children, cancer patients, asthmatics, diabetics, and those with heart disease, kidney disease or suppressed immune systems are groups that must be more vigilant with personal hygiene and avoid contact with infected individuals before getting the flu vaccine.

Other measures that can be taken to prevent flu infection include consistent and thorough hand washing, keeping your hands away from your face, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or hand when sneezing and when coughing. Flu symptoms include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and body aches. If such symptoms surface, a person should seek professional medical assistance immediately, especially if that person falls under any of the aforementioned vulnerable groups.